Single vs. Dual Band Nitrogen Study ‣ Corn

Key Points

Objective: To compare dual band versus single band applications of nitrogen in an at-plant scenario using Conceal^®. Both treatments consist of 100% of 180lbs total nitrogen at planting, all using UAN 32%.
Reliable ROI: Dual band applications have out-yielded single band applications every year. In 2023, the dual band application increased yield by 5.5 Bu/A, which equated to a gain of $29.20/A.
Conceal^®: A Conceal^®system is a unique planter attachment that allows growers to place nitrogen in a high concentration dual or single band positioned 3” away from the seed trench in depths near 1.5”. If corn is planted at a 2” depth, Conceal^® system fertilizer placement is 3X-0.5X1 in single bands and 3X-0.5X2 in dual bands.

Is a Dual-Band Application of Nitrogen Effective?

We can’t control the weather (no matter how much we wish we could). However, we can control nitrogen.

Placing banded nitrogen during planting allows us to put all the essential nutrients right where the plant will need it, so each of our plants don’t have to work to find what they need to grow.

We started asking some questions: What is the yield and economic difference in using a dual band application in comparison to a single band application? What results do we see when we compare the two? Is a dual band application worth our investment?

We took to the farm across multiple years to find the answer. We used the Conceal^® system to place nitrogen in a high-concentration dual or single band positioned 3” away from the seed trench. Conceal^® uses existing planter space, utilizing a backswept knife located within the center of the planter’s gauge wheels. As nitrogen is applied, it is sealed within the soil profile, preventing potential volatilization losses typically seen with surface type nitrogen applications.

We found that the dual band of nitrogen out-yielded the single band every time.

In 2023, the dual band application produced a yield advantage of 5.5 Bu/A above the single band. This equated to net returns of $29.20/A. When we average out our data from 2021-2023, we’ve seen an average increased net return of $27.60/A in comparison to single band applications.